As of October 2008, all tandems made by USPA Members or at USPA Group Member dropzones need to be made by a USPA rated Tandem Isntructor.

A Tandem Instructor with only a current manufacturer's rating can convert to a USPA Tandem Instructor rating very easily. He has to take the test, handle a few proficiency card requirements (depending on his USPA Instructional rating level), and pay the fee. It's just paperwork.

"3. For persons with another USPA Instructor rating (current or expired), current tandem manufacturer rating recognized by the USPA, to convert a manufacturers rating to a USPA Tandem Instructor rating:

a. Must have logged at least 15 tandem jumps in the previous 12 months. b. Must meet the manufacturer currency requirements for the previous 90-day period. c. Completed item 10 on the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course proficiency card. d. Provide proof of the manufacturers rating to USPA Headquarters, such as the tandem instructor rating card issued by each manufacturer. e. Provide a copy of the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course proficiency card, medical certificate and the rating fee to USPA Headquarters for processing.

4. For persons with no USPA rating, but hold a current tandem manufacturer rating recognized by the USPA, to convert a manufacturers rating to a USPA Tandem Instructor rating:

a. Must have logged at least 15 tandem jumps in the previous 12 months. b. Must meet the manufacturer currency requirements for the previous 90-day period. c. Earn the USPA Coach rating by attending the complete Coach course or testing out of the Coach rating. d. Completed items 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 16 on the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course proficiency card. e. Provide proof of the manufacturers rating to USPA Headquarters, such as the tandem instructor rating card issued by each manufacturer. f. Provide a copy of the USPA Tandem Instructor rating course proficiency card, medical certificate and the rating fee to USPA Headquarters for processing."

Why did USPA initially get involved in issuing their own Tandem rating anyway, no rules or regulations in FAA Far Part 105.45 states anything about the requirement to hold the credentials from any sort of governing body, only tat the TM must have gone though the course offered by the manufacturer and hold their rating, and their tandem rating alone holds no merit, the bottom line is that it all comes down to whether or not you have the rating by the manufacturer of the rig you're jumping. they already have my money so i guess im allowed right now right?

The USPA TI rating is an instructional rating. It means that you have demonstrated the ability to teach and coach students on the ground and in the the air. With it, you can shepherd students through parts of the ISP and sign off on their progress.

Why did USPA initially get involved in issuing their own Tandem rating anyway, no rules or regulations in FAA Far Part 105.45 states anything about the requirement to hold the credentials from any sort of governing body, only tat the TM must have gone though the course offered by the manufacturer and hold their rating, and their tandem rating alone holds no merit, the bottom line is that it all comes down to whether or not you have the rating by the manufacturer of the rig you're jumping. they already have my money so i guess im allowed right now right?

Easy enough... Once the tandem was no longer "experimental,' the Tandem Manufacturers wanted out of the rating business (mounds of paperwork, tracking & time which the USPA already has a system for) and have the examiner train on the specific type so as to be in compliance with the FAR.